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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Why Do Frogs Have Webbed Feet? (Activity)

This activity as well as all experiments and activities on this blog requires adult supervision.

Materials

small sink or small pail with water

small plastic bag

rubber band

paper towels

Procedure

Fill a small amount of water in a sink or small pail.

Have the student spread spread his/her fingers out and place their fingers into the water.

Have them drag their fingers back and forth in the water.

Dry their hands.

The have the student place his/her hand into a small plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band around their wrist.

Have the student spread out their fingers and place the fingers into the water.

Have them drag their fingers back and forth in the water.

Ask the student, "Was there a difference in the way your fingers pushed the water?" ("What was the difference?")

Also ask the student the following question."Using the information gathered in your experiment, how does a frog's webbed feet help it move through the water?"

Explanation: A frog's webbed feet help it move through the water. The frog's webbed feet are an adaptation that helps a frog swim in the water by pushing the water away and helping the frog propel itself faster through the water. People sometimes wear flippers in the water when swimming for the same reason.

Extension:

The students could sketch and label a picture of a frog's webbed feet and a pair of flippers.

Older students could write in their science journals and explain how the design and function of a pair of flippers (a man-made product) are similar to a frog's webbed feet (something natural in nature.)

Students could also think of other man-made items that were designed similar to something that occurs naturally in nature. (Example: a plane's wings and a bird's wings)

Thanks! Liked your experiment too. It seems that paper cups and small plastic bags are used a lot with kids' science. Noticed that you've been using lots of the paper cups. We need to buy those things in bulk. It's great to see kids as interested in science as your children. Thanks for sharing.Marcia :)